Published: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 8:17 p.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 8:17 p.m.

Each spring in Sparr starts off the same as questions swirl about the next batch of talent expected to fill in for departed stars.

And every football season at North Marion High School ends where the one before it did: in the postseason.

For 14 springs head coach Craig Damon and his staff have developed replacements, filled needs, and readily accepted the expectations they've created for themselves. So despite last year's underwhelming 5-6 record — the first losing mark during Damon's impressive tenure — the veteran coach is confident help is on the way.

“We graduated 22 last year, so we are focusing on filling the vacant spots,” explained Damon, who is 13-for-13 in playoff berths, while rolling up a 111-48 career record and collecting 10 district titles at his alma mater.

“I must say that I am very optimistic about the way this team is coming together. With continued progress and a great summer, we may be able to make some noise in the fall.”

Here's what we know: the Colts lost a dozen proven players — six on each side of the ball — and were hit particularly hard up front where four of the five starting offensive linemen have moved on.

Also gone is University of Georgia freshman Reggie Wilkerson, starting quarterback Brody Hall, and leading tackler Myles Stewart.

But the cupboard is far from bare with leading rusher James Allen back after a sophomore season that saw him produce 1,000-plus rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging better than eight yards a carry. He'll be joined in the backfield by Derrick Harmon, who ran for 442 yards and four TDs in 2012.

If that wasn't enough, versatile athlete Jack Reed returns from Trinity Catholic to give Forest High transfer Jake Roddenberry an additional weapon on the Northside. Roddenberry, a rising senior quarterback, led the Wildcats in rushing and passing last season, and should provide the same run-pass option for the Colts this fall with emerging receivers Cameron Mackey and Freddie Swain added to the mix.

Lineman Collin Mills is the lone returner on the offensive front, but he should get some immediate help from transfer Zach Altom.

“The kids have had a great attitude this spring,” Damon said of his mix of old and new players. “They are working hard.”

But it could be wildcard De'Amontae Jackson who steals the show this fall after the budding linebacker was forced to sit out last season.

Add in defensive lineman Leontae Miller (36 tackles, 8 TFL) and defensive back Jamarquois Autry (33 tackles, 2 INTs) and it's easy to see why Damon — who has guided five guys to Division I football scholarships over the last two seasons — has once again had his hands full with college recruiters this spring.

“A slew of schools have been by,” Damon said of the annual spring feeding frenzy. “We have our normal list of players being heavily recruited, but no commitments yet.”

Placekicker David Hatcher is also back, giving the Colts a legitimate scoring threat in the kicking game. As a sophomore, Hatcher booted eight field goals and 32 extra points.

North Marion won't be at full strength when the Colts host Forest Thursday night at 7, since transfers aren't eligible to play in the spring game. But Damon is more concerned with how this new group attacks the opportunity than the actual outcome of the glorified scrimmage.

“Our focus is to play fast, physical, and disciplined,” he said. “We want to develop depth.”

<p>Each spring in Sparr starts off the same as questions swirl about the next batch of talent expected to fill in for departed stars.</p><p>And every football season at North Marion High School ends where the one before it did: in the postseason.</p><p>For 14 springs head coach Craig Damon and his staff have developed replacements, filled needs, and readily accepted the expectations they've created for themselves. So despite last year's underwhelming 5-6 record — the first losing mark during Damon's impressive tenure — the veteran coach is confident help is on the way.</p><p>“We graduated 22 last year, so we are focusing on filling the vacant spots,” explained Damon, who is 13-for-13 in playoff berths, while rolling up a 111-48 career record and collecting 10 district titles at his alma mater. </p><p>“I must say that I am very optimistic about the way this team is coming together. With continued progress and a great summer, we may be able to make some noise in the fall.”</p><p>Here's what we know: the Colts lost a dozen proven players — six on each side of the ball — and were hit particularly hard up front where four of the five starting offensive linemen have moved on. </p><p>Also gone is University of Georgia freshman Reggie Wilkerson, starting quarterback Brody Hall, and leading tackler Myles Stewart.</p><p>But the cupboard is far from bare with leading rusher James Allen back after a sophomore season that saw him produce 1,000-plus rushing yards and nine touchdowns, while averaging better than eight yards a carry. He'll be joined in the backfield by Derrick Harmon, who ran for 442 yards and four TDs in 2012.</p><p>If that wasn't enough, versatile athlete Jack Reed returns from Trinity Catholic to give Forest High transfer Jake Roddenberry an additional weapon on the Northside. Roddenberry, a rising senior quarterback, led the Wildcats in rushing and passing last season, and should provide the same run-pass option for the Colts this fall with emerging receivers Cameron Mackey and Freddie Swain added to the mix.</p><p>Lineman Collin Mills is the lone returner on the offensive front, but he should get some immediate help from transfer Zach Altom.</p><p>“The kids have had a great attitude this spring,” Damon said of his mix of old and new players. “They are working hard.”</p><p>Defensively, the Colts have a chance to be especially nasty. </p><p>Last year's sack leader Brandon Charles (14 TFL, 7 sacks) leads a quartet of returning starters at linebacker, which includes James Roberts, Eugene Glover and Alex Williams. </p><p>But it could be wildcard De'Amontae Jackson who steals the show this fall after the budding linebacker was forced to sit out last season. </p><p>Add in defensive lineman Leontae Miller (36 tackles, 8 TFL) and defensive back Jamarquois Autry (33 tackles, 2 INTs) and it's easy to see why Damon — who has guided five guys to Division I football scholarships over the last two seasons — has once again had his hands full with college recruiters this spring.</p><p>“A slew of schools have been by,” Damon said of the annual spring feeding frenzy. “We have our normal list of players being heavily recruited, but no commitments yet.”</p><p>Placekicker David Hatcher is also back, giving the Colts a legitimate scoring threat in the kicking game. As a sophomore, Hatcher booted eight field goals and 32 extra points.</p><p>North Marion won't be at full strength when the Colts host Forest Thursday night at 7, since transfers aren't eligible to play in the spring game. But Damon is more concerned with how this new group attacks the opportunity than the actual outcome of the glorified scrimmage.</p><p>“Our focus is to play fast, physical, and disciplined,” he said. “We want to develop depth.”</p>